GT24 MXL Upgrade Stay competitive switch online
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Alstoms GT24 MXL upgrade package is an evolutionary step that allows plant owners to capitalise on recent operational and technical advances to stay competitive.
Based on years of global operational and OEM experience, Alstom engineers know that significant advances always entail a combination of both technological and operational improvements. The MXL upgrade combines both. Technical modifications to the turbine components pave the way for the introduction of a new flexible operation concept, enabling the operator to respond effectively to changing market needs. With the MXL upgrade, operators can switch online between two alternative modes M for maximum performance to meet peak demands or XL, for extended component lifetimes.
The flexibility made possible by online switching results in improved total performance, lower cost of electricity and increased availability. Furthermore, the MXL-enabled performance improvements come with no increase in emissions, operating or maintenance costs. In fact, rapid online switching means operators can capitalise on capacity payments, which is excellent news in todays fiercely competitive markets.
How it works
When market demand is high operators can instantly switch to M-mode for maximum power and efficiency. This is achieved by adjusting the turbine inlet temperatures and results in combined-cycle power output gains of over 9 MW and an efficiency increase of more than 0.3%. For units that do not have the compressor upgrade installed, a total performance improvement of 23 MW in power output is expected.
When demand is lower, a seamlessly switch to XL-mode is possible, which results in a temperature drop that reduces the operating stress on components. This translates into an extension of the inspection interval by up to 4000 operating hours.
These benefits are based on two sets of optimisations. Firstly, in the compressor, there are changes to the blade count and arrangements plus optimised clearances that increase mass flow. Secondly, coating and cooling improvements in the High-Pressure (HP) and Low-Pressure (LP) Turbines, as well as optimisations to the combustion dynamics, enable the turbine inlet temperature to be adjusted for switching between the M and the XL modes.
Finally, a new Operating Data Counter (ODC) is included to support the MXL mode switching by tracking cyclical events, weighted and equivalent operating hours.
Staying competitive
The MXL upgrade allows GT24 owners to benefit from fully validated new generation technology while extending the life of their current equipment. The MXL concept began as a standard feature of the newer GT13E2 fleet, where it has been proven over more than 500,000 operating hours and 4,000 starts.
The GT24 MXL upgrade can be implemented during a scheduled C inspection.
More detailed information about the technology and customer benefits of our MXL upgrade is contained in the GT24 MXL Upgrade Brochure.
Alstom’s GT24 MXL upgrade package is an evolutionary step that allows plant owners to capitalise on recent operational and technical advances to stay competitive.
Based on years of global operational and OEM experience, Alstom engineers know that significant advances always entail a combination of both technological and operational improvements. The MXL upgrade combines both. Technical modifications to the turbine components pave the way for the introduction of a new flexible operation concept, enabling the operator to respond effectively to changing market needs. With the MXL upgrade, operators can switch online between two alternative modes – M for maximum performance to meet peak demands or XL, for extended component lifetimes.
The flexibility made possible by online switching results in improved total performance, lower cost of electricity and increased availability. Furthermore, the MXL-enabled performance improvements come with no increase in emissions, operating or maintenance costs. In fact, rapid online switching means operators can capitalise on capacity payments, which is excellent news in today’s fiercely competitive markets.
How it works
When market demand is high operators can instantly switch to M-mode for maximum power and efficiency. This is achieved by adjusting the turbine inlet temperatures and results in combined-cycle power output gains of over 9 MW and an efficiency increase of more than 0.3%. For units that do not have the compressor upgrade installed, a total performance improvement of 23 MW in power output is expected.
When demand is lower, a seamlessly switch to XL-mode is possible, which results in a temperature drop that reduces the operating stress on components. This translates into an extension of the inspection interval by up to 4’000 operating hours.
These benefits are based on two sets of optimisations. Firstly, in the compressor, there are changes to the blade count and arrangements plus optimised clearances that increase mass flow. Secondly, coating and cooling improvements in the High-Pressure (HP) and Low-Pressure (LP) Turbines, as well as optimisations to the combustion dynamics, enable the turbine inlet temperature to be adjusted for switching between the M and the XL modes.
Finally, a new Operating Data Counter (ODC) is included to support the MXL mode switching by tracking cyclical events, weighted and equivalent operating hours.
Staying competitive
The MXL upgrade allows GT24 owners to benefit from fully validated new generation technology while extending the life of their current equipment. The MXL concept began as a standard feature of the newer GT13E2 fleet, where it has been proven over more than 500,000 operating hours and 4,000 starts.
The GT24 MXL upgrade can be implemented during a scheduled C inspection.
More detailed information about the technology and customer benefits of our MXL upgrade is contained in the GT24 MXL Upgrade Brochure.
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